Library and Resource Centre

The MGS Library and Resource Centre is located in Winnipeg at Unit E, 1045 St. James Street. This is north of Polo Park shopping centre on the north side of Ellice Avenue – it is tucked in the corner of the L-shaped strip mall across the parking lot from the Brick Furniture store. There is lots of free parking all the time.

Hours of Operation

Wednesday evenings 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (closed from January to mid-March and for the summer months)

Sunday noon to 4:00 p.m. (closed Sundays from Mothers’ Day to after Thanksgiving)

We operate entirely with Volunteers, so it is always a good idea to call ahead to make sure we are open. Special opening times may be arranged in advance for school groups or other organizations. If you have any inquiries, please phone 204-783-9139, or check our website.

Online Library Catalogue – KOHA

The MGS Library has produced an online catalogue of all books and reference material held in the library, called KOHA. It is searchable by title, author or keyword; you can search from home or at the Library. KOHA is an open-source Integrated Library System used by many libraries throughout the world.

Henderson Directories – Manitoba addresses and residents from 1876 to 1908, Winnipeg addresses and residents from 1908 to end of publication in 1999.

Anglican Marriage, Baptism and Death indexes from over 60 churches from the Diocese of Rupert’s Land. Years range from 1813 to 1925.

Some Catholic Marriage Indexes- Years range from 1834 to 1982.

United Church Archives – marriage, baptism and burial indexes for a large number of Manitoba and N.W. Ontario charges.

Who Can Use the Library/Resource Centre?

MGS members can use the resources in the Library/Resource Centre free of charge. Non-members can use the resources for a daily user fee of $10.00 ($5.00 for Wednesday evening access). Only members may borrow materials.

Borrowing Items

Unless marked as Reference, all books in our library are available for MGS members to borrow. You can borrow up to six books/periodicals or CDs/DVDs at a time for three weeks. Renewals are usually allowed as long as no other member has requested to borrow the same item(s).

Mailing System for Out-of-Winnipeg Members

For members living outside of Winnipeg, MGS has a special low library mailing rate from Canada Post. The cost of postage for two-way delivery (to your home and back to MGS) is extremely reasonable, so do not hesitate to borrow items. Here are some examples of mailing costs from Winnipeg to several Canadian destinations for a large Local History Book (8½” x 11” x 2”) (Estimated total cost both ways):

Dauphin. MB $ 0.92 + G.S.T.

Brandon, MB $ 0.92 + G.S.T.

Yorkton, SK $ l.49 + G.S.T.

Nanaimo, BC $ 3.12 + G.S.T.

Long distance members should contact the library about availability of books and postage costs by e-mailing library@mbgenealogy.com.

Cemetery Transcripts for Sale

Many MGS volunteers have spent countless hours over the years transcribing and indexing monumental inscriptions for about 1400 cemeteries in Manitoba. The indexes are available electronically on the computers at the library and as paper copies. Copies of most cemetery transcriptions may be purchased through MGS. For more details on how to locate and order a particular transcript go to: http://mbgenealogy.com/…/mgs-publi…/cemetery-transcriptions/ or contact us at 204-783-9139 or library@mbgenealogy.com .

Volunteers Needed

The MGS Library provides members the opportunity to share in expanding the Society’s resources, with special emphasis on Manitoba sources. Projects which are available include:

Index of obituaries from local newspapers.

Index of Anglican Baptisms and Marriages.

Index of United Church Sacramental Registers.

Index of the Manitoba Census.

Cemetery Transcriptions.

Copying Equipment Available

We have a black and white photocopier on site – cost is $0.25 per side

Copies can also be sent to a printer from any of the computers – $0.25 per side

We have a microfilm reader – printer copies available $0.25 each

We have a microfilm scanner where scans can be saved to your own devise (memory stick) on the attached computer or printed on one of our printers – $0.25 each

Scanning of material owned or copyrighted by MGS is same cost as copier – $0.25

Documents can be scanned using our photocopier and saved to a memory stick.

Refreshments /Lunch

A lot of material could be damaged by food or beverages, so neither is allowed in the main Library. There is a small lunchroom if you wish to have a coffee break, and a small refrigerator if you want to bring your lunch. Any food or beverages must be consumed in the lunchroom.

Off site, there are several places to eat in the immediate vicinity. There are many restaurants on St. James Street towards Polo Park Shopping Centre.